Pain management techniques for wrist fractures
Distal radius fractures account for 17.5% of all fractures with a median age of 60.23
(Candela et.al, 2022). Pain management is a significant part of post wrist fracture
treatment due to limitations that pain incurs. Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can
occur along with a distal radius fracture but will not be covered in this post due to its complexity.
There are two routes for intervention for a distal radius fracture, surgery and conservative
treatment. Both treatments involve similar aspects but timelines are typically different.
Conservative treatment usually involves casting for 6-8 weeks in order to allow the bone to heal.
Surgical intervention can be followed by casting for 2 weeks or prefabricated brace for 6 weeks.
Early techniques for Pain Management within fracture/surgical precautions:
Heat and Massage: Heat brings blood flow to the area and helps to soften tissues that may be
otherwise tight in order to guard the injured area. Massaging along the incision line and/or the
inflamed areas can help decrease edema and pain.
Light Passive Range of Motion: Moving the wrist in all planes of motion helps bring
proprioceptive input into the area and prevents increased stiffness which can cause unwanted
pain with movement. This is done within tolerance and no overpressure due to precautions.
Functional Light Finger and Wrist Mobility: Active range of motion helps to decrease adhesions
and push fluids away from the area. It also helps us retrain the brain to move within tolerance
and decrease the perception of pain.
Compression: Sometimes giving a patient proprioceptive input, such as compression, can help
to alleviate pain. If a patient”s wrist/hand is especially swollen, a piece of equipment such as a
compression glove can help provide input and decrease swelling, decreasing the amount of
pain.
Large Chain Movement: Large movements are helpful when pain is present for edema
management and proprioceptive awareness. It opens space for fluid and increases range of
motion for larger muscles while flossing the nerves through the upper extremity.
Candela, V., Di Lucia, P., Carnevali, C., Milanese, A., Spagnoli, A., Villani, C., & Gumina, S.
(2022). Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: A detailed survey on a large sample of
patients in a suburban area. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 23(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-022-00663-6
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
More To Read
Why Scar Massage Matters After Hand Surgery
After hand surgery or an upper extremity injury, most people expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. What patients do not always expect is how much a scar can affect movement and comfort. Even when an incision looks healed on the outside, the tissue underneath may still feel tight, sensitive, or restricted. This is where scar…
Management of the Stiff Finger: Evidence and Outcomes
Title: Management of the Stiff Finger: Evidence and Outcomes Reference: Yang, G., McGlinn, E. P., & Chung, K. C. (2014). Management of the stiff finger: Evidence and outcomes. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 41(3), 501–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.011 Article Review By: Tommi Hintnaus The Skinny: This study focuses on understanding and managing finger stiffness, a condition characterized by…
Place-and-Hold Versus Active Mobilization Therapy After Flexor Tendon Repair
Title: Passive Mobilization With Place-and-Hold Versus Active Mobilization Therapy After Flexor Tendon Repair: 5-Year Minimum Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial Article Review By: Tommi Hintnaus Reference: Chevalley, S., Wangberg, V., Ahlen, M., Stromberg, J., & Bjorkman, A. (2024, October 4). Passive Mobilization With Place-and-Hold Versus Active Mobilization Therapy After Flexor Tendon Repair: 5-Year Minimum…
Neurolutions IpsiHand to Aide in Stroke Rehabilitation in Patients with Hemiparesis
Neurolutions IpsiHand to Aide in Stroke Rehabilitation in Patients with Hemiparesis Hemiparesis occurs in approximately 77% of new stroke cases and often persists into thechronic stage (Humphries et al., 2021). Recent innovation, such as brain-computer interfaces(BCIs), offer new opportunities for motor recovery even years after stroke. One such approach is the Neurolutions IpsiHand System, an…
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.
I found the explanation of early-stage methods, like heat, massage, and compression gloves, particularly helpful for reducing pain and swelling. The emphasis on active and passive range of motion to prevent stiffness also makes a lot of sense in promoting recovery. One question that comes to mind is: Are there specific exercises or techniques that might be more beneficial for long-term recovery once the initial pain subsides? It would be interesting to hear if others have found additional strategies helpful as healing progresses.
We are so happy you found this helpful. There are a variety of exercises that can be performed but sorta of depends on how you are progressing